Scottish football team helps kids with mental health

September 3, 2018

Scottish football team helps kids with mental health

Aberdeen Football Club, Grassroots Soccer and Aberdeen FC Community Trust (AFCCT) are partnering to teach children about mental health.

According to The Press and Journal, the scheme is being trailed at Lochside academy, where football coaches and local mentors will mix footballing activities with ‘lively discussions’ surrounding mental health and wellbeing.

The announcement follows researchby Glasgow University, which found that one in nine young people have attempted suicide and one in six have self-harmed as a result of mental illness.

The partnership has been backed by The Chairman of AFCCT, Duncan Skinner, who said: ‘Through our existing initiatives, we’re acutely aware of the growing mental health problems among today’s young people.’

‘Grassroot Soccer have a proven track-record in tackling adolescent health through football-based education.’

Inverness charity providing activities to help mental health

Inverness charity, ActivNess, is using its new premises to provide physical activities to help mental health sufferers.

Founder and former firefighter, Malcolm MacSween, said: ‘I had a lot of issues when I was younger that were helped at times when I was being as active as possible, helping me both physically and mentally. Now I want to pass on that help.’

‘Through our stepping stones coaching sessions, we will take people in, help build their confidence and skills in an active environment and then help them connect with activities they really want to do.’

According to The Press and Journal, the charity is trailing its lending library project. It allows people to borrow equipment and try new activities, in an effort to remove the financial burden of purchasing items. Most of the equipment has been donated by members of the public to support the initiative.

MP, Drew Hendry, was among the individuals who attended the opening of the new ActivNess facility, he said: ‘This is a great opportunity to connect with people who otherwise may not be active.’

Founder MacSween added: ‘I am overwhelmed by the support. The uptake from the community and different organisations has been tremendous and I genuinely want to thank everyone for that.’